16 January 1948: Remembering Major A.K Ramaswamy who laid down his life in the line of duty on this day during Indo-Pak War of 1947-48

 

ajor Annavi Krishnaswamy Ramaswamy (31 October 1924- 16 January 1948), an officer in the Indian Army, played a significant role during the 1947-1948 Indo-Pak War. He was commissioned into 3 Para Maratha Light Infantry Regiment on 15 December 1946 at the age of 22.

 

The Naushera Battle was a crucial engagement, and Major Ramaswamy's sacrifice is remembered for his bravery and dedication to the country. His actions and valor exemplify the spirit of the Indian Armed Forces during that challenging period.

 

 

The Pakistani attack on Jammu and Kashmir which commenced in October 1947 continued unabated. On 16 Jan 1948, Major A.K. Ramaswamy, whilst in command of company of a para battalion at Naushera, was ordered to reinforce the forward company which was under enemy fire. He moved his Company forward & helped relieve the pressure of enemy fire. After the rest of the battalion had safely withdrawn, it was the turn of his company to withdraw. The route of withdrawal was covered by heavy enemy fire.

 

While crossing the most exposed part of the ground, a sepoy got wounded & was left behind. He, without any regard for his personal safety, ran back to evacuate the wounded sepoy. The wounded sepoy gallantly warned this officer not to come to his aid & thus expose himself to enemy fire. But undaunted, the officer went to his aid & managed singlehanded to bring back the wounded soldier 15 yards under a hail of enemy fire. However, while doing so Maj Ramaswamy got severely wounded and later succumbed to his injuries while being evacuated and was martyred. He was only 24.

 

Maj Ramaswamy was a gallant soldier and a gritty officer who led from the front and laid down his life in the line of his duty. Maj AK Ramaswamy was given the nation's 2nd highest gallantry award, "Maha Vir Chakra" for his extraordinary courage, leadership and camaraderie.